Seismic design of multi-storey buildings using laminated veneer lumber (LVL)

Abstract

The recent development of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) as an alternative to solid timber or glue-laminated timber has greatly improved the viability of structural timber for the seismic design of certain types of buildings. The low mass, flexibility of design and rapidity of construction all create the potential for increased use of LVL timber in low-rise multi-storey buildings. Based on recent developments in the seismic design of precast concrete for multi-storey buildings, proposals are made for innovative types of jointed ductile connections in LVL timber buildings, based on post-tensioning techniques to assemble structural members for both frame and wall systems. This contribution gives an overview of an going comprehensive research project involving both numerical and experimental investigations. The extremely satisfactory preliminary results of quasi-static cyclic tests of exterior beam-column joint subassemblies are presented as a confirmation of the expected high seismic performance of the proposed solutions for LVL seismic resisting systems.